The three of them looked at me bewildered, especially Theo who looked at me mockingly as if i said something funny to him.
Theo kept coughing like a madman while trying to keep his composure. Discreetly, Arietta nudged his side with her elbow, she then looked at me curiously and opened her mouth.
"So.. why'd you pick that name?". She asked as if facing with an odd being.
I sat there, staring at the both of them then closed my eyes in contemplation.
"Uh..m, i just chose it..? Does that sound reassuringly logical...?". I asked while opening my eyes to gauge their reaction. I knew why i chose that name.
It was supposed to be the nickname for a certain important someone in WhiteHalls.inc.
Miracle was the first to react. I saw how baffled she was. I could imagine her thinking, 'What's wrong with him? Choosing a name without reason! Crazy..".
But it was actually otherwise.
I could quickly see the shift in her reaction to that of amazement. It ended up making me the one baffled at her. 'W..what, she is so quick at changing her mood.'.
Then, laughter rang out. Theo who already couldn't contain his laughter burst out like a balloon. "BAHAHAHA! Really? Because yer just chose it? HAHAHA!". He exclaimed as if mocking me in a friendly way.
Arietta sighed. True to her nature, she quickly composes herself and smiled towards me. "Well then.. welcome, Corwin! Welcome to Eden!". While smiling brightly. It's as if, she truly did welcome a new comrade or member.
I couldn't even imagine the next events that might unfold in the near future towards them. Towards everyone in this facility.
Will i succumb to that future too?
Now that i am a part of Eden, i might.
But.
I can and will escape that fate.
Maybe.. escape with everyone? No.. leave that bitter thought. I need to find a way to live, find out what happened to ■■■'s parents and..
....
I stopped my train of thought. And stood up, altough akwardly. Theo flinched seeing me suddenly stand up. Arietta and Miracle looked a bit shocked but had a hint of worry. I could feel the 'Oh no! A patient is suddenly standing after healing! Why not rest, you foolish patient!' being thrown at me.
Then i staggered towards the door. Miracle, quick to react, ran to me supporting me. Arietta and Theo followed behind.
"Yer wanna explore the outside? It's warm now but quietly sharp at midnight hehh.." He commented while mumbling the last part.
Seems like he often goes outside at midnight. 'I guess that explains why i heard footsteps.'.
====
I felt the sunlight bathing and soaking me with it's overwhelmingly warm presence. The lukewarm breeze flew past my hair and towards the others too, i saw the swaying shadows of trees and the soft-green grass.
I heard a cacophany of children chattering and laughing outside, all busy with their assigned activities. Altough loud and irritating, it was the heart of this place.
Ignoring areas with many children, i walked staggeringly towards quiet and empty areas. Areas for the Researchers to get reports or assessments.
It could be my key to finding a way out mixing their data with the notes from the ■■■.
I looked up, the gleam from an iron sign hanging from the side catches my eyes.
'The Infirmary.'
Just reading it gave me chills. It felt odd to feel that way just from reading and imagining what could've been the healing haven for the sick and injured. I thought that way because, this infirmary was no infirmary.
It was never intended to look, be, and function like an infirmary. I thought as the grey-themed interior of the infirmary is seen, a lone desk greet me and no sight of any beds for the sick, only a couple of chairs for people to wait on.
It is more like a waiting room for therapy or counseling.
I guess this was the best option for WhiteHalls.inc to extract information or data out of the kids.
Miracle let's go of me as she watches me open the door of the infirmary. 'What's wrong with her? I guess she must've gotten a taste of getting a checkup'.
I gaze at her darkened face. I could see her eyes lose color, she stands her ground. I look at the others behind her, they watch me. They couldn't care less if i went in. The treatment was just terrible.
As i walk in, no one was there. It felt like the perfect yet unsettling time for me to enter.
Behind the overbearing desk was a filling cabinet to which i expect many data would already be stored in, yet i would never expect the Researchers to really leave any important data like their abilities, weaknesses, or other classified data.
Yet, i don't need the files for it. I already have it in my mind. I added in my heart and rummaged through each files.